Setanta Sports to launch Canadian HD service in August

20 Jul 201065 Views

Setanta Sports, the Dublin-based sports channel operator, has confirmed that Setanta Sports Canada will launch in high-definition (HD) this August.

The company said the move is being timed to capitalise on the depth of premium European sports programming that is now available on Setanta Sports in Canada and the growing appetite of sports fans for HD sports coverage.

HD content will include live soccer from the Barclays Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as rugby from the European Heineken Cup and the Super 14.

Setanta launched in Canada in 2007 and the company said the upgrade to HD for Setanta Sports Canada underlines its commitment to the international sports market.

“This represents an important milestone for Setanta and a natural transition for us with HD fast becoming the standard for sports broadcasters. We are continuing to invest in the growth of our business in terms of both content and technology across multiple markets and multiple platforms,” said Leonard Ryan, joint CEO of the Setanta, on the extension of HD services to the Canadian market.

Setanta has invested more than €7m in its central broadcasting facility in Dublin, which employs some 150 staff, and from where it broadcasts all its channels.

Setanta Sports Group is made up of sports channel businesses in Ireland, Canada, Asia, Australia and Africa, as well as SetantaBet.com, a dedicated sports-betting and gaming service available globally.